2 weeks ago I took myself to London to see Cats at The Palladium. I woke up early, had a bath and got dressed. I wore my London bus print Cath Kidston dress (very appropriate), my denim jacket, and some brown brogues. I left the house at 9am, to catch my train at 25 past 10, only to end up stuck in traffic and missing it. I was absolutely distraught and couldn't stop crying in the car. My dad asked me if that meant I wanted to go home and I said no and that I wanted to proceed to the train station to see if they'd let me on a later train (it wasn't my fault I missed the train, I didn't ask to be stuck in traffic!).
The lady in the ticket office was lovely and wrote what happened on the back of my ticket with the addition of 'please allow on 11.30' and told me the inspector should let me on the train no problem but the worst case scenario is that he'd charge me, she then stamped the back of my ticket. I left the ticket office, proceeded to platform 3 and stood for a whole 30 minutes worrying myself to tears over the thought of being told I couldn't get on the train or being charged 'cause I only actually had £60 on me. The train arrived and I got on and looked for the ticket inspector but I couldn't find him so I just sat down and hoped he'd come by soon. We got to Durham station and then I clocked him walking up the aisle in my direction so I stopped him and explained what had happened and told him what the lady in the ticket office had said about charging me. He took my ticket, read what it said on the back and just said 'Na, don't worry about it, it's fine' and gave me my ticket back. I couldn't bloody believe it I almost started crying again, I was lucky that this guy was not horrible.
So there I was on my way to London, it was actually happening I was going to see Cats the musical and I was excited. I arrived in London at 20 past 2 and although the show started at half past 2 and I would be late I really didn't care 'cause I'd made it. I got through Kings Cross station and went straight to the taxi rank and got in the first taxi I saw. I arrived at the palladium at quarter to 3, went to reception and explained I was late 'cause I missed my train and was shown to my seat straight away. My seat was an end seat in the front row so I didn't really disturb anyone with my lateness which was good and I also didn't miss much of the show. The interval was around 4pm and I left my seat to go and look for somewhere to buy a programme. I didn't realise there was a merchandise stand there due to the way I'd came in so ended up buying the palladium programme for £4 as souvenir instead. I wanted to get it signed by Old Deuteronomy but the only people that were really going on stage to get it done were children so I didn't bother. I also used the interval as an opportunity to take some photos of the stage 'cause it looked wonderful, the amount of detail is amazing. I took 1 photo from the aisle and two from my seat to show just how close I was. The show ended at around half past 5, which gave me just under an hour to get back to kings cross station and catch my train home. Trying to flag a taxi down was an absolute nightmare 'cause it's not something I'm used too but as you can tell I did make it to the train station and also made it home in one piece. I phoned my mum when I came out of the palladium and told her how good the show was (it was amazing) and how close I was to the stage and those taking part in the show. She was thrilled for me and also a little jealous of the fact she didn't get to see it 'cause it's her favourite musical as well. I saw cats with her when I was about 9/10 years old but seeing it as an adult was just amazing, being able to take everything in and truly appreciate it. The only thing I disliked about the show is the new rum tum tugger, they've made him really 'hip-hop' and almost human like it weird to me. Other than that minor irritation it was really really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kerry Ellis sung Memory amazingly well, it was truly beautiful. Everyone applauded when she was done for a good minute or so and god bless her she had tears in her eyes. I really want to see Cats again and have heard it's coming to Blackpool in July so I'm hoping I can get tickets for then! Although it was stressful, it was a wonderful day and I'm kinda proud of myself for doing it all by myself. Never in a million years did I think I'd be able to travel to London on my own considering a year or so ago I couldn't even get to the top of the street by myself or stand in a queue in a shop alone. Definitely a good experience (despite the things that went wrong) and one I'm proud of myself for going ahead with.
Post a Comment